Italy v Wales LIVE

Italy v Wales LIVE

Will the absence of inspirational skipper Sergio Parisse prove to be the difference between the two sides when Italy host Wales at Stadio Olimpico this afternoon?

Italy head coach Jacques Brunel doesn't think so as he firmly believes Manoa Vosawai is an able deputy for Parisse who will miss the remainder of the RBS 6 Nations championship tournament after picking up a red card for insulting a Top 14 referee while playing for Stade Francais.

Italy head coach Brunel had a number of options to choose from instead of Parisse at No.8 but opted to go for Treviso's Vosawai over teammate Paul Derbyshire.

"Manoa plays that role [No.8] at Treviso, just like Robert Barbieri and to a lesser extend Paul Derbyshire," said Brunel.

"Zanni, from what I've seen, doesn't play at eight for Treviso any more, Barbieri is still not 100 per-cent, which is why we have gone with Vosawai, with Derbyshire on the bench as a possible replacement, as well as another option on the flank."

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